Concert review: Marc Anthony at Amway Center

The salsa king generally schedules his return to Orlando in the weeks around Labor Day, a welcome tradition that continued with a spirited performance on Sunday at Amway Center.

At some point, it’s reasonable to think that Anthony’s song-and-dance act might become a predictable re-run – the musical equivalent of Bill Murray’s “Groundhog Dog” experience. The singer doesn’t add new production wrinkles to a show that relies on music more than special effects.

Fortunately, the infectious sound was as fresh as ever in a nearly two-hour show for a crowd that filled about half of the upper bowl, a better turn-out than KISS recently attracted.

The sound of congas and other Latin percussion instruments announced the singer’s arrival on the understated, but colorfully lit, tri-level stage. Cameras captured his stroll in backstage hallways and beamed it on giant screens before he emerged atop a wide stairway in the middle of the band.

The percussion section also powered "Valio la Pena," one of many songs that inspired a joyous sing-along. The music was embellished by evocative red and blue lighting, but didn't need much help.

“It’s good to be back,” Anthony said in the early moments, blowing a kiss to fans he addressed in a both English and Spanish.

Unlike KISS, Anthony isn’t fixated on fire and brimstone. Instead, the expressive power of his 15-piece ensemble is explosive enough. Even better, the singer’s “Vivir Mi Vida” tour marks a renewed emphasis on salsa, Anthony’s most formidable asset.

The concert trek follows the summer release of Anthony’s first studio release dedicated to original salsa material in nearly a decade.

New songs such as “Vivir Mi Vida” fit seamlessly with signature hits such as "Te Conozco Bien," the melodies swept along by congas, timbales and other rhythm toys. In one extended solo, the timbale player took a swig from a water bottle while executing a few complicated rolls.

On the melodramatic “Preguntale," Anthony showed that he can still handle a ballad, but this show was a dance party.

“Everybody’s sitting down,” Anthony said at one point. “You’ve got to stand up.”

That’s no problem when Anthony does salsa. At least there’s time to rest before next year.